DeGale vs Jack: James DeGale battles to a draw with Badou Jack in unification fight

Highlights of the thrilling super-middleweight unification fight between James DeGale and Badou Jack

James DeGale was denied victory by a last-round knockdown as his unification fight with Badou Jack was scored a majority draw in New York.

IBF champion DeGale floored WBC title-holder Jack in the first round, but was dropped in the 12th and although one judge scored the fight 114-112 in his favour, two scores of 113-113 meant both men retained their super-middleweight belts.

Appeals for a rematch from DeGale in the post-fight interview might not be granted as Jack suggested afterwards that he might step up to light-heavyweight instead of taking a return fight.

Upcoming Fights,29th January, 13:00pm

Carl Frampton v Leo Santa Cruz

ROUND BETTING

Carl Frampton By Decision/Technical Decision

11/8

Leo Santa Cruz By Decision/Technical Decision

5/2

Draw

20/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 8

25/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 5

25/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 6

25/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 7

25/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 8

28/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 9

28/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 9

28/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 4

28/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 7

28/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 6

33/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 4

33/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 5

33/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 10

33/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 10

33/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 3

33/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 2

40/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 11

40/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 11

40/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 3

40/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 2

50/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 12

50/1

Carl Frampton Rnd 1

50/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 12

50/1

Leo Santa Cruz Rnd 1

66/1

DeGale prised open Jack’s tight defences in the opening three minutes as a straight left hand sent his opponent stumbling backwards onto the canvas.

DeGale floored Jack in the first round at the Barclays Center

With only seconds remaining in the round, DeGale could land just a few more punches, and Jack looked stunned as he returned to his stool.

The Harlesden man showed off his hand speed with a cluster of hooks in the second round, but Jack found his range in the third and fired back with right hands.

A left hook from Jack caught the eye in a closely contested fourth, while the referee was even hit by a late punch from the ‘The Ripper’ at the end of a tight fifth, which saw DeGale unload crisp combinations.

DeGale said he wants a rematch with Jack after their fight ended as a majority draw

But Jack enjoyed clear success in the sixth round as a body shot seemed to trouble DeGale, who withstood more stinging shots on the ropes.

The British fighter was being forced to trade at close quarters in a damaging dogfight and was hurt in a torrid eighth round.

A jolting uppercut from Jack dislodged the gumshield from the mouth of DeGale, who had to withstand a ferocious assault.

DeGale would show his grit in the ninth, hammering back with his own hooks, despite losing his gum shield again in another fierce exchange.

With the fight evenly balanced, DeGale stepped up his attack and a flurry of punches seemed to briefly hurt Jack in the 10th.

Jack closed the gap on the scorecards with a 12th round knockdown

Victory would be snatched from DeGale in the last round as he switched off for a second and was dropped heavily by a short uppercut from Jack, but ‘Chunky’ clambered to his feet and fired back bravely in the closing minute.